Now that’s more like it!

Now that’s more like it! For a second there, I thought the O’s were starting to look like a professional baseball team. Since coming back from the All Star break, Baltimore has yet to win a game,

and was promptly swept by the Toronto Blue Jays, being outscored by a total of 17-5. Lately however, there seems to be more action off the field than on, as word of Brian Roberts’ return as well as speculation about Buck Showalter being named the new Orioles manager has been making the rounds. Unfortunately,

Mike Gonzalez will be back soon too….

There is some good news however. With all of the injuries the O’s have suffered, we might be able to see the lineup we were waiting for in March. With B-Rob’s pending return, Matt Wieters coming back soon from his hamstring injury, Luke Scott back in the lineup, and Felix Pie also back, the Orioles might have something that resembles a good lineup. If their starting pitching can be a bit more consistent (in a good way for once) this team might start to turn things around.

Who’s Hot

Cesar Izturis has had a good start to the second half this season. So far, Izturis is hitting .538 and has driven in three of the Orioles five runs this half. Felix Pie is hitting .313 this half, and hopefully he can keep that up.

Matt Albers has been stellar so far, pitching 4.1 innings and not yielding any runs. Jeremy Guthrie pitched a great game against Toronto, going 6.2 IP and allowing only one run, but got a no decision as the O’s eventually lost.

Who’s Not

Brian Matusz….one day we will figure this kid out. Hot one minute, cold the next….this week was the cold version, getting shelled by the Blue Jays for 6 runs in 1.2 innings. Miguel Tejada and Ty Wigginton are also having slow starts to the second half. Both are hitting .188 with no RBI. Wigginton has been in freefall mode for a few weeks now, and hopefully he can pick it back up, along with the rest of this offense.